Black Man Turn My Skirt Tail Loose Poem by Jeannette Gregory

Black man, turn my skirt tail loose,
Why every time I take one-step up
You snatch me back?
I’m trying to feed my mind so I can help you feed our children,
Stop reminding me that I’m a woman, ugly and black.

Don’t poke no more holes in my self-esteem,
I’ve got to love myself
Got to fulfill my dreams.

Tell me you’re proud of me and stop slapping me in my face,
One more bruise and I can’t win this race.
The smell of liquor is on your breath,
My Black man choose life
Stop flirting with death.

Our children are in their critical years,
They need the two of us together
To love them and dry their tears.
Please let me go to church so I can hear what thus sayeth the Lord.

We need to teach our children how to use the word
So it will not return void,
Come on Black man.
Team up with your family,
Help me tear down these strongholds
So we all can live.